Why Keep a Hand-Written Scuba Diving Logbook?
Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or brand new to the diving world, everyone should keep a diving logbook.
My first logbook was given to me as part of my Open Water Course. It came in a fancy black binder with little pockets for my certification card and pens.
As sad as it sounds, I really quite loved it. I would fill it out religiously after each dive, trying to be as descriptive as possible and even though I’m a fair few logbooks down the line now, I still look back through it every now and again!
These days, digital logbooks are far more commonplace but trust me, here’s why you should still keep a hand-written scuba diving logbook.
What Is a Logbook?
Look at your logbook as your own personal underwater diary. As well as being a nice keepsake for all your diving memories, it's also a place to record important information from every dive.
In each log, there is usually a space to jot down the log date, the time, the dive site, any equipment and weights used, water temperature, water conditions, weather conditions and air consumption.
You can then add notes, record any marine life you may have spotted and write down anything you’d like to remember about your dive.
Dive Log Entry Ideas
As a kid, I used to adore making scrapbooks, therefore I like to think of my logbook as a never-ending scrapbook of all my underwater adventures. If you appreciate a little nostalgia every now and again, here are some suggestions for making the most of your dive diary so you can look back on it one day!
Record memories - Maybe you visited an awesome shipwreck? Or maybe you saw something funny that you want to remember? Make sure to write it all down!
Draw pictures - Get your artistic flair on and add some cartoons or detailed drawings of any marine life you encountered. You could even include a little map of the dive site.
Print pictures - If drawing isn’t your thing, why not print out some of the digital pictures you took and glue them in?
Mementoes - If you attended a liveaboard abroad, keep any leftover currency and stick them in. The same goes for any stamps or stickers from the dive centre. Were you given a wristband for the marine park? Attach it all!
Fish Identification - It’s always good to write down what you’ve seen and where you saw it. Try to add some little facts about them too.
Extra Notes!
If you’re participating in any courses, each training dive should be stamped and verified by your instructor but any fun dives you do can be signed by your buddy
When diving with a different dive centre for the first time, they’ll usually ask for proof of dive experience and want to see your dive logs. It covers you and it covers them
You can log your dives digitally now and create cool little charts/graphs, but for sentimentality’s sake, it's worthwhile keeping a traditional logbook too
I hope this inspired you for your next log entry! Let me know if you have any other suggestions for your dive logbook!
